Liverpool need to bounce back after a flat start to 2026, but Fulham will pose a threat at Craven Cottage this weekend.Fulham vs. LiverpoolPremier League (20) | Craven CottageJanuary 4, 3pm (GMT)The Reds were disappointing at home to Leeds on Thursday, drawing 0-0 and rarely looking like breaking the deadlock.Next up is Sunday’s trip to Fulham at a ground where they suffered one of only four Premier League defeats last season.Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game. 1. A big response needed from SlotThe stalemate with Leeds did little to aid Arne Slot‘s position at Liverpool, following a dour performance.The Dutchman continues to be a man under pressure, even though the Reds are now unbeaten in their last eight matches.Another poor showing against Fulham this weekend will only see the dissenting voices grow louder, with improved tactics and entertainment value required.It’s Arsenal away in the next game, so dropped points here need to be avoided. 2. Fulham continue to impress under SilvaFulham sit 11th in the Premier League currently, which feels very par for the course for them.After a poor run of form, the Cottagers have got 10 points in their last four league games, with fan and journalist Kyle Bonn hailing Marco Silva:“I feel like a broken record at this point, but Marco Silva is the greatest asset this team currently has employed. He is more important than any player at the moment.“Every year, we enter the season with an inordinate amount of holes in the squad, and this season was no different, possibly even more so – and yet Silva manages to keep this club overperforming to a remarkable degree.”Liverpool will have to play well to win, which has been a big ask of late! 3. Liverpool team news: Gomez training returnLiverpool have been boosted by the news that Joe Gomez was scheduled to return to full training after a hamstring injury on Friday.The 28-year-old could mark a return at Fulham, with a place on the substitutes’ bench surely the best he can hope for.Liverpool are still without the injured quintet of Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns.Mohamed Salah continues to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. 4. Potential Liverpool starting XIThere is a quick turnover after the Leeds game, meaning Slot will likely be planning some rotation.Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong could both start down the right flank, though, and Milos Kerkez may come back in for Andy Robertson.Cody Gakpo is pushing for a start, which could allow Florian Wirtz to be used in his preferred central role.That said, Slot has confirmed that Wirtz has been tackling a hamstring issue, so Alexis Mac Allister could be recalled in place of him to be safe.Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Gakpo, Ekitike 5. How could Fulham line up?Fulham are without key trio Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, all of whom are playing for Nigeria at AFCON.Rodrigo Muniz is out until next month through injury, with Kenny Tete, Ryan Sessegnon and Josh King all likely to be missing, too.Former Liverpool midfielder Harry Wilson is likely to start, and has five goals and four assists to his name in the Premier League this season.Possible Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez 6. Slot’s classy message to Briggs Speaking to the media, Slot took the time to thank departed set-piece coach Aaron Briggs for the impact he had on him at Liverpool:“First of all I want to thank him for the one-and-a-half years we worked together, because he’s been a part – and a big part – of us winning the league last season.“He’s been a big help to me. He’s a very good human being, a very promising, young English coach. But as things sometimes happen, in January or in June, both go either way and that is what happened over here as well.“He will definitely find a new challenge for himself, because he’s done a good job with us. He’s a very good human being, a very promising, young English coach, so he deserves to get multiple chances again.”The onus of set-pieces has now fallen upon Slot’s coaching staff, with assistant Sipke Hulshoff the one barking orders from the touchline against Leeds. 7. Liverpool’s recent record at Craven CottageLiverpool have a hit-and-miss record away to Fulham down the years – who else still thinks about that Yossi Benayoun winner from time to time?Last season, the Cottagers won 3-2 against the soon-to-be champions, despite falling behind to a Mac Allister stunner.Liverpool have only won once at Craven Cottage in their last five attempts in all competitions.That was a 3-1 triumph in April 2024, thanks to goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota. 8. Did you know?Liverpool were once renowned for their creative brilliance from full-backs, with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson providing world-class quality under Jurgen Klopp.But this season, three of the Reds’ full-backs – Bradley, Kerkez and Robertrson – are still waiting to register their first league assist.That’s a combined 43 appearances in total!Jeremie Frimpong only has one from right-back, which all points towards a lack of attacking intent from Slot in those areas. 9. Craig Pawson under the spotlightCraig Pawson is in charge of Sunday’s action, having refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win at home to Brighton last month.He also oversaw the 3-0 home loss to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.Lee Betts and Matthew Wilkes are Pawson’s assistants at Craven Cottage, while Sam Barrott is fourth official. Andy Madley is on VAR duty, assisted by Craig Taylor. 10. How to watch Fulham vs. LiverpoolFulham vs. Liverpool is one of five live Premier League games on Sky Sports on Sunday.The match kicks off at 3pm (GMT) on Sky Sports Main Event before Man City host Chelsea later in the day (5.30pm).Alternatively, you can follow the game on This Is Anfield‘s matchday live blog from 2.15pm, with Harry McMullen keeping you company.Come on you Reds!